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8moduzturabag

What are dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements are divided into two groups: chemically synthesized and biologically active. The same substance in nature can exist in different forms. Organic substances may have the same chemical composition and molecular weight but different structures, i.e., different arrangements of atoms and bonds within the molecule, as well as a different spatial arrangement. These different forms of the same substance are called isomers. For example, vitamin C has 8 isomers, such as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, etc. We can chemically synthesize only one – ascorbic acid; the other 7 cannot be synthesized chemically and can only be produced by nature. Similarly, for other vitamins. Vitamin E has two isomers, as does vitamin D: D2, D3.

There are no biological structures without isomers. In nature, there are two isomers depending on the substance or its solution's ability to rotate polarized light in one direction or the other, denoted by special symbols D (right) and L (left) before the name of the substance. D are inert compounds that do not participate in chemical reactions in our body, while L are the active ones that do participate.

For all biochemical processes to occur completely in an organism in a given environment, all isomers of the substance are needed. If there is only one isomer, there will be an excess of that substance, which the organism will excrete, while there will be a deficiency of the other substances. Talking about vitamin C, chemically synthesized ascorbic acid is just one of the isomers of this vitamin, and the other 7, which are only in natural biological systems, are needed. This means all 8 isomers are required for vitamin C to be complete and perform its function.

Therefore, dietary supplements are divided into two completely different groups - chemically synthesized isomers and complete isomer structures (natural). Only full isomer structures are suitable for biochemical reactions. It is not possible to create all the isomers of natural structures through artificial synthesis, and it is unlikely that this will be possible in the near future. This applies to all vitamins, peptides, etc. With chemically synthesized individual vitamin isomers, at best, one may only get the illusion of having consumed the necessary amount of the vitamin, but at worst, additional health problems.

 

Enzymes

As known, proteins break down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars. Anything not broken down is perceived as toxins, which must be expelled from the body as quickly as possible.

With enzyme capsules, often advertised as a remedy for overeating consequences, the situation cannot be corrected because they start working only upon reaching the small intestine, not in the stomach where congestion occurs. Enzyme capsules should be taken between meals, especially if there are chronic inflammations.

 

Carotenoids

Natural pigments carotenoids, which act as antioxidants and are found in, for example, tomatoes (lycopene), oranges (cryptoxanthin), carrots (canthaxanthin), persimmons, pumpkins, apricots, have properties that inhibit cancer growth, but in one chemical reaction they can be very strong, and in another weak. The types of reactions are measurable in thousands. An almost indecipherable network system is formed. Therefore, it follows that the intake of one particular carotenoid as a dietary supplement cannot replace natural products as a health-promoting nutrient complex.

The highest content of carotenoids is in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, numbering in the hundreds. Carotenoids prevent the harmful effects of free radicals. They are particularly important for maintaining eye health. For example, switching to a diet rich in carotenoids can reduce the chance of macular degeneration by almost 10 times and the chance of cataracts by half. The activity of some carotenoids depends on the individual's lifestyle and diet, so their effect is not always positive. It is much safer to consume them in their natural form with fruits and vegetables than as dietary supplements.

 

Mineral deficiency

An important factor is soil depletion, leading to a deficiency of minerals in the body. Farmers working with intensive technologies most often fertilize the soil primarily with N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer, as the other approximately 60 soil minerals do not increase crop volume. As a result, consuming such produce leads to a deficiency of many essential minerals in the body. Therefore, to avoid problems, one can only hope to supplement the diet with products containing the missing minerals, but dietary supplements can only partially correct this.

 

Calcium

The best calcium is that which has already been processed by living organisms. The optimal form is ionic or colloidal, such as calcium citrate. This is because the body can assimilate calcium in the form of citrate, not carbonate. However, there's more. Vitamin D receptors are located on the surface of the small intestine. As is known, vitamin D ensures the absorption of calcium into the blood, and the efficiency of its uptake is closely related to the presence of vitamin D. Nutrient movement occurs through calcium channels between cells. A deficiency in calcium is a factor in tumor formation.

The main problem related to calcium in humans is not that we receive it in small amounts through our diet, but that the average modern person, due to their lifestyle and diet, develops a total deficiency of silicon and vitamins D3 and K2, without which calcium cannot reach the right place in the body, stay there, and be properly distributed. Therefore, without considering this aspect, it is pointless to take calcium in the form of dietary supplements.

 

Magnesium

Magnesium, one could say, is an intracellular element that participates in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's energy carrier. In terms of quantity, magnesium ranks fourth in the human body, following calcium, potassium, and sodium. The ratio between calcium and magnesium should be 2:1. Approximately 60% of magnesium is found in bone tissue. Magnesium can act both as an antagonist and a partner to calcium and potassium. All minerals that carry a positive charge—cations—should be in a chelated form within organic compound complexes, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium threonate, etc. Magnesium plays a role in the mechanism of blood vessel dilation, and magnesium deficiency can also be a cause of cardiac arrhythmia.

In conditions of oxygen deficiency, the formation of lactic acid salts (lactates) increases, which are essentially the end products of anaerobic glycolysis and contribute to spasms. In this situation, magnesium helps in oxygen binding.

A deficiency of magnesium leads to an increase in triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL, also known as "bad cholesterol") in the blood, activates platelet aggregation, and enhances blood clotting. For vitamins to function properly, they must transition into their active form, and this activation process requires magnesium. The most at-risk groups for magnesium deficiency are pregnant women and athletes. Magnesium cannot be overdosed when consumed through leafy greens.

 

About chelated forms of magnesium

The chelated form of magnesium, magnesium bisglycinate, is a form that binds magnesium to the amino acid glycine and is one of the best-absorbed forms, replenishing the body's magnesium stores the fastest. Thanks to the added glycine, the nervous system is relaxed, stress is reduced, and sleep improves.

For supporting a healthy heart and blood vessels, magnesium L-threonate is often considered the most suitable form because it can cross the blood-brain barrier. It improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and also helps delay age-related changes in the brain.

The biologically active form magnesium taurate consists of magnesium and the amino acid taurine. In this form, magnesium has a beneficial effect on arterial blood pressure and also reduces the likelihood of arrhythmias. It acts as a cardioprotector. It protects the heart, blood vessels, and tissues from oxidative stress. It helps regulate ion flow across cell membranes.  Magnesium taurate increases cellular sensitivity to insulin, which may reduce the risk of developing microvascular complications in diabetes. It may help reduce the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and the development of type 2 diabetes.

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is described as a prohormone regulating around 4500 genes and is involved in approximately 3000 different reactions within the body. It plays a critical role in the production of sex hormones, aiding in the synthesis of testosterone and estrogen, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Without vitamin D, proper hormone synthesis is impossible.

There are six vitamer forms of Vitamin D, with D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) being the most important. D2 is obtained through diet, while D3 comes from diet and is also synthesized under the skin when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet spectrum. Initially inactive upon entering the body, D2 and D3 are converted in the liver to calcidiol and then in the kidneys to calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D, functioning similarly to a hormone. Vitamin D receptors are found in nearly all human cells, particularly important for the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and brain cells. It stimulates insulin production, and its deficiency is a contributing factor to diabetes development.

Vitamin D is a powerful immune stimulant.

Vitamin D acts as a potent immunostimulator, regulating the body's phosphorus and calcium exchange, essential for bone growth and formation, ensuring seamless growth, protecting bone tissues from osteoclast destructive action, and participating in the production of serotonin (a tissue hormone, neurotransmitter), and dopamine (a goal-oriented hormone), protecting the body from aging, helps the skin to be tightened and beautiful and enhancing calcium absorption from the intestines.

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue, affecting 95% of the global population due to limited sun exposure and polluted subcutaneous layers, hindering the vitamin's synthesis. While young, healthy individuals can obtain the necessary amount of Vitamin D3 from sun exposure in nearly 10 minutes during summer, older individuals require significantly more time. However, tanning beds do not solve this problem and are considered hazardous as they can promote oncology. Vitamin D deficiency triggers inflammation processes in the body, colorectal cancer, and in women, increases the risk of breast cancer.

Reasons for Vitamin D deficiency include:

   ֎ Use of sunscreen, poor modern diets rich in vitamins,

   ֎ Poor transformation in the gastrointestinal tract due to dysbacteriosis,

   ֎ Insufficient fat synthesis in the liver,

   ֎ Inadequate dietary intake,

   ֎ Alcohol hindering assimilation,

   ֎ Parasites and antibiotics,

   ֎ Medication (statins) blocking cholesterol,

   ֎ Autoimmune diseases interfering with Vitamin D assimilation,

   ֎ Vitamin D activating leukocytes, main enemies of viruses including Covid-19, leading to blocked Vitamin D assimilation receptors and subsequent deficiency.

Signs of Vitamin D deficiency:

 ⚠️ Regular respiratory illnesses,

 ⚠️ Osteomalacia, leading to fragile bones and increased fracture risk,

 ⚠️ Delayed development in children, bone deformities, or rickets,

 ⚠️ Muscle pain after minor physical exertion,

 ⚠️ Slow healing scars, persistent bruises,

 ⚠️ Depression, irritability,

 ⚠️ Increased hair loss, scalp sweating,

 ⚠️ Lipid metabolism disorders, increased fat layer, especially with chromium deficiency,

 ⚠️ Inability to lower high blood pressure without medication,

 ⚠️ Poor calcium absorption from diet,

 ⚠️ Reduced testosterone production and decreased ovarian function in women,

 ⚠️ As calciferol deficiency lowers calcium levels in the blood, parathyroid glands adjacent to the thyroid begin producing parathyroid hormones, leaching calcium from bones, leading to uncontrollable gland tissue proliferation and benign tumor formation, i.e., adenoma.

Vitamin D can be synthesized under the skin by sunlight. The synthesized amount depends on the time of day and geographic latitude, requiring sunlight at a specific angle and considering skin characteristics. For instance, highly tanned individuals have melanin protecting against ultraviolet sun rays penetrating deeper skin layers. Melanin also requires Vitamin D, so darker-skinned individuals need longer sun exposure for synthesis.

The minimum Vitamin D norm is 30 nmol/l, with the ideal being 75nmol/l. Vitamin D is most commonly found in mushrooms, especially white ones, but rarely consumed without heat treatment. It is also present in fish, particularly in cod liver oil. Historically, when the sea was less polluted, cod liver oil consumption was widespread.

Vitamin D3 is converted in the liver into calcidiol, which is used to determine the amount of vitamin D in the body. Then, with the help of a special liver protein, it reaches the kidneys, where it is further transformed into calcitriol. For this process to proceed successfully, it is important that the body has sufficient amounts of vitamins K2, C, E, and B2, as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and selenium.

For vitamin D3 to work, it must pass through the liver and kidneys and be converted into the hormone calcitriol, provided that the body has sufficient amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K2, vitamin E, vitamin B2, zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium.

Vitamin D, in terms of its molecular structure, is actually a prohormone. Calcium deposition in blood vessels can result from improper metabolism of vitamin D. For metabolism—specifically, the hydroxylation process—to take place correctly and for vitamin D to be converted into its active form, calcitriol, the liver and kidneys must be healthy. The diet should provide sufficient amounts of vitamins C, E, and B2, with vitamin K2 being particularly important. There must also be adequate levels of magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, and iron. If these prerequisites are not met, even in sunny southern regions, a vitamin D deficiency can occur, leading to its associated consequences.

It is also possible that vitamin D concentration tests indicate an adequate level of this vitamin, but in reality, there is still a deficiency. For vitamin D to enter the cell, it must bind to cell receptors. However, in some cases, there are genetically fewer of these receptors, making absorption more difficult, which can be determined through specialized tests. Therefore, a single type of test cannot reliably confirm whether there is enough vitamin D in the body.

To assess the situation more objectively, it is advisable to determine both D2 and D3 levels. If there is a deficiency, the best choice is D3 (cholecalciferol), preferably in liposomal form, as it is absorbed more effectively.

Of course, the optimal additional intake of vitamin D should be guided by the specific product manufacturer's recommendations. Sources of information regarding the appropriate dosage of vitamin D may vary, but there is no need for particular concern, as clinical studies show that even significantly exceeding the recommended dose does not lead to complications.

 

Vitamins K1 and K2 (MK-7 form)

Vitamins K1 and K2 (MK-7 form) are fat-soluble, relatively heat-resistant (up to +120°C) vitamins that regulate blood sugar levels, ensure calcium binding in tissues and bones, and blood coagulation (clotting). Currently, 60% of the population suffers from Vitamin K2 deficiency, with nearly half of all bone fractures linked to its deficiency. Vitamin K2 deficiency accelerates blood vessel calcification, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally.

Vitamin K in plant-based foods is in the form of K1 (phylloquinone), while in animal-based foods, it's K2 (menaquinone). Adults get K2 from gut microflora, provided it's not severely degraded by poor diet or medications. Newborns receive Vitamin K from their mothers through the placenta and breast milk, as intended by nature. If the mother's diet during breastfeeding is adequate and her gastrointestinal tract is healthy without antibiotic use, the baby will not have a Vitamin K deficiency. If not, and this mechanism is partially or fully disrupted, the newborn could develop a Vitamin K deficiency, risking impaired blood clotting, potentially causing hemorrhagic syndrome - bleeding from the umbilical cord, liver, lungs, or even the brain, which is most dangerous.

There are three types of Vitamin K: K1 (phylloquinone) found mostly in green plants, ensuring blood clotting; K2 (menaquinone, MK-7 form) of bacterial origin, essentially transformed K1 vitamin in the animal gut, guiding proper calcium distribution to cells, tissues, and bones; and K3 (menadione, a water-soluble form of Vitamin K), plus menadione, a synthetically created K3 vitamin analog with higher activity than natural forms.

Which type of Vitamin K will be administered to your newborn should be inquired from the responsible doctor.

Vitamin K2 regulates the homeostasis of the body, which is the set of all reactions that ensure or restore the dynamic stability of the internal environment and physiological functions of the organism.

The high-risk group for Vitamin K deficiency includes people with dysbacteriosis or those who take anticoagulants.

Symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency are bleeding from the nose, bleeding gums, increased bleeding during menstruation for women, blood in urine and feces.

There is an important relationship between Vitamins K2 and D3. If there is enough D3 but a deficiency of K2, calcium will start to accumulate excessively in soft tissues, for example, kidney stones may form, or atherosclerosis may develop if there are liver issues. This is because it is not D3 but K2 Vitamin that directs calcium into the bones. Vitamin D3 only transports calcium to bone tissues.

Vitamin K is found in all greens, but parsley is the champion, it is in egg yolks, plantain leaves, which folk medicine uses by applying to a wound to stop bleeding. Among beekeeping products, it is mostly found in bee bread.

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative stress, participates in immune system function, supports protection of the nervous system, and also affects reproductive health. Vitamin E is not a single substance, but a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. There are 8 natural forms in total.

Vitamin E isomeric (structural) forms, tocopherols, which differ in the arrangement of methyl groups on the chromanol ring, are alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, but the most biologically active form in the human body is alpha-tocopherol.

Tocotrienols differ from tocopherols by an unsaturated side chain. They have four forms - alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, gamma-tocotrienol, delta-tocotrienol.

 

To know what to eat, the best specialist is the food processing reflex.

The taste of food plays a very important role. There's even a saying: "Let food be thy medicine." Each food has a specific taste that the body evaluates and remembers. As food goes through the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract, it reaches the cells. The cells, receiving or not receiving the necessary substances, regulate when, what, and how much is needed, or what tastes good or not at the moment. It's different with dietary supplements filled in capsules, where the food reflex cannot track what is what. Appropriateness is determined based on symptoms that appear later.

Therefore, the best specialist who knows what you need is your body. If you crave salty – you lack sodium, if the smell of shashlik entices you – Vitamin B12, if corn salads taste good – zinc, if you have poor appetite – Vitamins B2 and B3, if your appetite is too high – manganese. No taste sensation occurs by chance. The body leads you on the right path, you just need to listen. Chemically synthesized flavor enhancers, with which modern industrially produced food is richly saturated, will most likely lead you down a dead-end, because their purpose is not to show the right path, but to bring maximum profit to manufacturers and sellers. With dietary supplements, you can then try to correct the situation, but it's not the most effective or cheapest option.

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8uzturabagHEALTH FUNDAMENTALS

Dietary Supplements

Before discussing dietary supplements, it's important to emphasize that diet remains the primary focus, with supplements only serving as an addition. Food is the main source of our energy and everything our body consists of, so it cannot be replaced with supplements, only complemented and adjusted to correct deficiencies towards an optimal level.

Nutrient assimilation is a complex biochemical system involving thousands of substances, each individually and collectively impacting health. The likelihood of a single substance in supplement form replacing a complete meal and not causing side effects is almost nonexistent. Modern unhealthy diets cannot be remedied solely with food supplements, despite what their manufacturers and distributors might claim, as it's a business for them.

The interaction of substances and their effects on the body's own chemicals is immensely complex. The nutritional value cannot be assessed merely by the total amount of contained substances, as these are combined in various ways in each product. When nutrients combine, their value changes completely. The digestion process starts with food mixing with saliva. A finely tuned internal control mechanism oversees the chemical reaction process from cells to organs and systems, determining when and where reactions occur and how much of the produced substances are utilized.

The body cannot receive a single substance in isolation; it must be provided in a complex with other substances. For example, iodine deficiency, a common cause of thyroid issues, must be supplemented along with essential nutrients like lipids and proteins.

It's crucial to understand that the nutrients in dietary supplements are only significant when part of food. Introducing any single chemical substance separately will never equate to dietary consumption and can even be dangerous when taken as a drug.

Dietary supplements can be divided into two categories: natural (unprocessed) and industrially produced.

Natural supplements include spirulina (seaweed), alfalfa, and bee bread, which are formed by nature containing everything essential in the required form. Natural dietary supplements also extend to plant powders made from drying and grinding various plant parts like petals, bark, buds, etc., into powders for cocktails and tea blends. These are used as universal remedies, offering a wide spectrum of biologically active and mineral substances, provided the plants have grown in symbiosis with other organisms rather than as monocultures, which would significantly reduce their biological value.

The body simply takes what it needs at the moment, knowing its requirements better than any nutritionist, indicated by various symptoms. This naturally pertains to natural products, not the synthetic pseudo-food industry products, which are enhanced with flavor, scent, color, and texture enhancers, making the non-existent desirable.

Industrial dietary supplements vary, including options like drying and packaging natural raw materials or isolating a particular component from them, which changes the effect of the substance compared to its natural state. For consumer convenience, supplements are prepared in tablets or capsules with a precisely known composition. For instance, the encapsulation of bifidobacteria for protection against the destructive effects of stomach acid and bile ensures their delivery to the colon, a plus, but also significantly increases the price of the same biologically active substances found in common products.

 

Is it necessary to take dietary supplements?

If you consume organically grown, fresh, unprocessed food in moderate amounts, drink quality water, stay physically active, avoid harmful habits, and experience no severe stress, then dietary supplements may not be needed. That's the ideal scenario.

If it's not possible, it is still recommended to use dietary supplements of natural origin. Relying solely on supermarket food in daily life almost makes it theoretically impossible to be healthy. There's also the option to do nothing. According to statistics, 95% of the population lives this way, and only 5% are truly ready to do something for their benefit. Financially, the lifestyle adopted by the majority of society is very disadvantageous, as money is spent on food that does not provide all the necessary nutrients and leads to health problems, and then on medical services and medicines. This also results in inefficient use of taxpayers' money.

Dietary supplements are a middle ground. Although not the best and cheapest option, it is popular in many developed countries with a long average lifespan and where the ecological situation is even more unfavorable than in Latvia.

 

Detoxification using sorbents and special additives

If you consume a traditional diet daily, detoxification is necessary. However, if a person cannot adjust to fasting for a long time (see section ' Purification'), a good alternative is programs designed for the purposeful use of dietary supplements along with a special diet.

Royal Society of Medicine data shows that $87 billion is spent annually worldwide on the treatment of diseases related to gastrointestinal tract pollution (more than 65 diseases in total).

Let's examine what happens in the colon. Imagine a large pot in which everything a person has eaten during the day is placed. It contains yeast, as most people consume yeast-based bakery products, like yeast bread and buns. Do not forget the pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which are constant inhabitants of a dirty gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal mass also contains pesticides and nitrates, which help farmers achieve a larger harvest, as well as preservatives, flavor enhancers, softeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, synthetic dyes, acidity regulators, and possibly residues of previously used medications. There also live 2 - 4 types of intestinal parasites and a couple of million of their eggs (with which 95 - 100% of people are infected), despite meticulously observed personal hygiene. Adding 2 - 12 kg of fecal stones and tightly closing the lid, place this pot in a warm place. Now the saying 'death is hidden in the gastrointestinal tract' will no longer make you doubt that your health condition is strongly affected by this rotting and fermenting mass, causing such health problems as fatigue, premenstrual syndrome, headaches, dermatological diseases (psoriasis), constipation, increased gas formation, excess weight, cellulite, a bitter taste in the mouth, and other problems.

Let's look at what happens in a polluted gastrointestinal tract. Eating "dead" (cooked, fried, marinated, fiber-poor) food, the intestinal villi are covered with a thick layer of mucus, so it's important to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract before using dietary supplements. In a dirty gastrointestinal tract, fermentation and putrefaction processes dominate. The temperature in it locally rises, there is weak intestinal peristalsis, food residues accumulate, resulting in a warm and heavy colon in women can press on the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, causing such health problems as inflammation, cysts, and infertility. But in men, it can press on the prostate, causing prostatitis, infertility, and also reducing sexual activity.

Everything we drink that is not water is absorbed in the colon. Along with water, toxic substances that block enzymes, without which no cell can function, are absorbed in the colon. These toxic substances are encapsulated by the body, forming polyps, cysts, adenomas. In a dirty gastrointestinal tract, pathogenic bacteria (Campylobacter, enterococci, clostridia, etc.) dominate. German scientists, studying 2000 people, concluded that only 3% do not have dysbiosis. But the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are the largest organ of the body's immunity, it is the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. Good bacteria produce lactic acid, which is disliked by pathogenic ones, participate in the synthesis of B group and K vitamins, release substances that promote intestinal peristalsis. If the gastrointestinal tract is polluted, the liver starts working with overload, symptomatically causing headaches, lack of energy, memory problems, irritability, and agitation. The kidneys are also overloaded, as they have to cleanse 1.6 liters of polluted blood every minute, therefore inflammatory kidney diseases develop, blood pressure rises.

The toxic substances are also expelled through the lungs. The venous collector in the colon is designed so that from two-thirds of the gastrointestinal tract (its total length is 12m) blood flows through the liver, but from the last third (including the colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum) venous blood goes through the lungs, bypassing the liver. Therefore, problems in the gastrointestinal tract often cause lung diseases up to bronchial asthma. If the gastrointestinal tract is polluted and the liver and kidneys do not work as they should, the skin takes over the function of expelling toxic substances (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.).

Everyone who owns a car understands that there are operating rules that must not be violated. Specific quality fuel must be used. Oil and filters must be changed after a certain period. If the engine runs at full throttle all the time, it will quickly wear out. Similarly, consuming an unhealthy diet forces the body to work in extreme mode (at full throttle) to neutralize harmful substances. Regarding their own bodies, people think they can eat whatever they want all their lives without any detoxification procedures. Unfortunately, this leads to premature wear and tear of the body and weakened vitality in an unfavorable environment.

 

Albert Zehr's Detox Program

One of the best comprehensive detox systems in the world has been developed by Canadian scientist Albert Zehr. This program is designed for gradual body detoxification over 14 days, without requiring significant changes to one's daily life. Albert Zehr is a doctor of nutrition. He spent 30 years researching drug formulas that would effectively detoxify our bodies. He is the author of two wonderful books on healthy eating, "Healthy Steps" and "Help Yourself Healthcare." Most of his life, Albert Zehr has been dedicated to helping people improve their health. He is deeply convinced that our bodies have a great self-healing potential if we regularly detoxify them and offer a healthy diet. If a 300m2 room (the total area of the gastrointestinal tract) can be cleaned in 3 weeks, it's worth it. The program also detoxifies the liver, kidneys, and lymph system. It is intended for anyone who wants to detoxify their body independently, at a convenient time, without special equipment, sanatoriums, hospitals, or enemas. It includes an anti-parasitic program, which is very important because one should not fast with parasites, as they would cause severe intoxication during fasting. The program consists only of natural anti-parasitic agents: black walnut leaves, ant tree bark, garlic, alfalfa, and others. People who consume a traditional diet ideally should undergo preventive deworming twice a year. Chemical agents are very toxic and are not recommended for regular use.

Such a unique treatment method as short-term fasting is known in many countries since ancient times. The importance of fasting cannot be overstated. During fasting, detoxification of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, and lymph occurs, the function of all body systems is renewed, inflammation decreases, and immunity is strengthened, among many other benefits. However, it's important to fast correctly, adhering to the body's physiological needs. On the second or third day of fasting, the expulsion of accumulated toxic compounds typically occurs. If fasting is done incorrectly, it can lead to complications. Albert Zehr has taken this factor into account and included the sorbent kaolin (white clays) in the program. The healing properties of clays have been known since the times of Chinese emperors' dynasties, who, according to legends, knew the secret of eternal youth and long life. Kaolin is a sorbent with unique properties to increase its volume, attract and absorb toxic substances, and then expel them from the body. This significantly reduces the chance of a fasting crisis. A very important feature of this program is that it includes enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

The program consists of three stages.

1) The first stage, "preparation," lasts 7 days. It involves following a diet that excludes meat, dairy products, bread, and sweets. The diet includes porridges, vegetables, fish, and greens. The components included in the program will rid the intestinal tract of parasites and toxic substances and nourish the cells with vitamins and microelements, as well as unclog the intestinal tract. During this stage, all toxic substances from organs and tissues are expelled to the colon. Of course, one must also drink 2-3 liters of quality water daily.

2) The second stage, "detoxification," lasts 4 days. It's a fast without the feeling of hunger. During this time, instead of meals, one takes a powder dissolved in water four times a day. Drinking it causes it to swell, creating a feeling of satiety. The powder contains kaolin (white clays), which absorbs 40 times more toxic substances than it weighs. It penetrates all the folds of the intestines, collects parasites, and sweeps the intestinal tract like a brush. The kidneys and liver are extremely grateful for the clean blood. The cells are nourished, as natural vitamins, microelements, beneficial bacteria, and other good things are consumed.

3) The third stage, "renewal." It involves a gradual return to the regular diet. The intake of microelements and vitamins continues, but beneficial bacteria and enzymes are provided in double doses during this period to restore the digestion processes. Like in the other stages, drinking a lot of water is also recommended, along with continued consumption of lots of water.

After a month, one can feel an increase in energy and improved sleep quality, clearer and more elastic skin, reduced bad breath and body odor, stabilized blood pressure, reduced shortness of breath, normalized liver, heart, and kidney function, improved condition of blood vessels, softer and more flexible joints, reduced allergic reactions, and strengthened immunity. Following the program, many people get rid of cysts (cysts and adenomas indicate the 4th degree of body pollution). The program detoxifies the intercellular lymph, where about 80% of toxins accumulate. As a result of body detoxification, the hormonal system's function is renewed, and for couples who have suffered from infertility, there is often a joyful side effect - the possibility of having a child with wonderful health. It is important to remember that, consuming a traditional diet like the majority of modern society, body detoxification programs should be conducted regularly and even mandatorily.

 

How Coenzyme Q10 Works

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also called ubiquinone, is a natural substance found in almost all cells of our body. It is a vitamin-like substance involved in the production of cellular energy (ATP) in mitochondria. The name ubiquinone comes from the word ubiquitous - "found everywhere", because it is present in almost all cells.

The body produces Q10 on its own, but its level decreases with age, stress, disease, and the use of certain medications (e.g., statins).

Main functions in the body:

֍ without Q10, cells cannot produce energy efficiently,

֍ especially important for organs with high energy demand: the heart, brain, muscles, liver,

֍ acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage,

֍ helps slow cellular aging,

֍ supports heart muscle function,

֍ frequently studied in relation to heart failure, high blood pressure, and statin side effects.

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like quinone or organic compound, which is one of the main components in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, providing energetic exchange in cells, as well as serving antioxidant and stabilizer functions in cell membranes. Moreover, Q10 converts Vitamin E into its active form, increases the amount of lymphocytes, including NK cells (natural killer cells), which destroy cancer cells. Q10 increases nitric oxide synthesis, thereby dilating blood vessels, which can potentially lower arterial blood pressure.

Coenzyme Q10 performs several functions: it is necessary for ATP synthesis, participates in body thermoregulation, helps maintain stable functioning of the heart, kidneys, liver, brain, and other vital organs. Q10 is present in all body cells, as it is associated with mitochondria. In its structure, it contains 10 carbon atoms and can easily attract and release hydrogen ions. An important function performed by Q10 is the stabilization of cell membranes to maintain their charge.

Coenzyme Q10 transports protons H+ to the inner membrane surface, transports electrons to the membrane itself, creating a potential difference. As protons H+ exit through the membrane and reach the cell's inner surface, they interact with membrane electrons, resulting in ATP. This reaction also produces by-products. Membrane electrons act on atomic oxygen, and as oxygen O2 transitions to atomic form O, it eventually combines with hydrogen. Thus, water is formed. This way, by-products in mitochondria are neutralized. If a lot of atomic oxygen forms between membranes, it can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species, i.e., free radicals, whose neutralization function is performed by Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 can also transport hydrogen ions back through the membrane without generating ATP, but as a result, temperature increases. This way, body thermoregulation occurs.

Reactive oxygen formation is promoted by prolonged and exhausting physical exercise, but moderate regular exercise encourages Q10 formation, of course, along with a balanced diet.

 

Antioxidant Glutathione

Over the years, the production of glutathione in the human body decreases, but for those who ignore a healthy lifestyle, this process occurs much faster. Glutathione synthesis in the human body occurs in the liver, and as soon as liver functions are impaired, a deficiency forms.

The glutathione molecule consists of 3 amino acids – cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. Such a molecule acts as a kind of trap, identifying and capturing toxic metabolites, pesticides, and carcinogens, including those that arise from taking medications, which may manifest as side effects.

Glutathione reduces inflammation processes, neutralizes free radicals, slows down aging, for example, on the skin, it manifests as a reduction in pigmentation disorders and improvement in elasticity. Glutathione improves well-being, memory, cognitive abilities, reaction speed, and endurance.

Its production in the body is promoted by physical activities and adequate nutrition, but for those who are lacking in this regard, glutathione should be taken as a dietary supplement, but it is best to choose those in liposomal form.

 

Liposomal Form of Vitamins and Minerals

A liposome is a hollow spherical nanoparticle, with an active substance such as a vitamin or mineral enclosed inside. Liposomes act as nano capsules, protecting the vitamin from destruction through all stages of food processing. The active substances are delivered directly to the cell for immediate assimilation. The liposome's shell is completely identical to human cell membranes. It consists of phospholipids and is a completely natural component with excellent penetration abilities, causing no toxic burden to the liver and kidneys.

Upon reaching the cell, the liposome's phospholipid shell merges with the biologically friendly cell membrane and releases the active substance. Moreover, the phospholipids from the liposome integrate into the damaged cell membrane structure and restore its protective function.

For reference, 1 nm (nanometer) is one billionth of a meter. The diameter of a hair is 100,000 nm, and hair grows at a rate of 10 nm per second.

 

When Purchasing Dietary Supplements, Consider the Cofactor

Zinc and copper, when in inorganic form—for example, as sulfates—will act antagonistically toward each other; in contrast, when they are in a more organic chelated form (combined with an amino acid), there will be no problem with assimilation. If iron is needed, zinc and copper should be added for better assimilation. There are thousands of nuances about what works and what doesn't. Certified dietary supplement manufacturers are aware of these nuances and usually indicate them in the annotations, but every situation is individual, so it's worth listening to a specialist's opinion.

The situation is different with natural dietary supplements, as nature has taken care of the cofactor, balancing everything in optimal combinations and proportions. Of course, exceptions when something is incompatible are possible, as humans have significantly distanced themselves from nature.

 

Before Use, Familiarize Yourself with the Instructions

When considering the use of dietary supplements, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist, as their usage instructions may not always account for all possible situations. Here are just a few examples:

It would not be rational to take mineral complexes such as magnesium and calcium in supplement form along with foods containing oat flakes, as these minerals will bind with phytic acid. Likewise, fatty acid components such as omega-3 should not be taken together with mineral complexes, because as fats break down into fatty acids, they will form insoluble deposits with minerals. When using iron, magnesium, and calcium supplements, tea containing tannins should not be consumed simultaneously, as it can lead to precipitation and reduced absorption.

If taking medications such as diuretics or hormonal contraceptive pills, additional intake of minerals and vitamins, especially B vitamins, is necessary. Otherwise, protein metabolism disorders may occur.

When consuming minerals separately, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron, products containing phytates (such as cereals) should not be consumed at the same time. These phytates bind these minerals and inhibit their absorption in the digestive system, leading to mineral deficiencies. This applies to cereals and legumes, particularly oat flakes and wheat with a high gluten content.

Antioxidants must be taken in the correct combination with other components. When an antioxidant neutralizes a free radical, it itself can turn into a free radical. For example, in the case of vitamin E, a stable compound may form, which can even be toxic. Therefore, vitamin E should be taken together with vitamin C. However, since vitamin C does not always act as an antioxidant, bioflavonoids—found in fruits, vegetables, and berries—should also be included in the diet.